Diablo 2 fans have been anxiously awaiting the end of January because Blizzard is preparing to drop Diablo 2: Resurrected's 2.4 update on the action-RPG's public testing realms for testing. Some may question why an update is so meaningful to Diablo 2 fans. It's because this will be the first official content and balance update Diablo 2 has received since early 2010. Patch 2.4 for Diablo 2: Resurrected is now confirmed for release on PTR starting January 25.
The 2.4 update for Diablo 2: Resurrected will be seen primarily as a class balance update, but there are three total core components to it and several smaller changes. Class balance is the first area, with all seven of Diablo 2: Resurrected's classes receiving changes. Second, there are seven new Rune Words that can be set into a diverse range of equipment. Third, four new Horadric Cubes are being added to allow players to upgrade their Set items. Beyond that, there are changes being made to mercenaries, sets, level areas, item tooltips, and more.
Class changes for Diablo 2: Resurrected are the obvious focus of update 2.4. There's a new ladder season coming and Blizzard is refreshing the meta to ensure the season feels brand new. There are too many changes to summarize, but it should be clear that all three skill trees for all seven classes have had at least a small change. The Druid has received perhaps the most dramatic changes, improving its casting, melee, and summoning. The Necromancer received perhaps the least impactful changes, though small buffs to Weaken, Bone skills, and Skeleton Mages are notable.
The Rune Words may be on par with the most significant class changes in terms of meta-shifting. New Rune Words for swords, staves, claws, as well as bows and crossbows, will offer a diverse range of build opportunities for players to experiment with. There are also two new helm Rune Words, one enhancing mana management and the second a strong defensive rune for both martial and magical attacks.
Beyond those two areas, as well as the Horadric Cube recipes for upgrading set pieces, Blizzard has even more other exciting adjustments. 12 different set items have been buffed to varying degrees, Act III now requires players to smash the Compelling Orb to access the Durance of Hate rather than skip the Khalim's Will quest, and sixteen option areas have had their monster levels increased to 85 in Hell difficulty to encourage players to complete them for rewards.
Suffice to say, Diablo 2: Resurrected's 2.4 patch as it stands will offer an entirely new experience compared to previous Diablo 2 updates. Blizzard clearly wants Diablo 2 fans to come back and experience something different. Plus, if it proves popular, Blizzard may try even more experimental changes in the future. The PTR update arrives on January 25, with a full release to follow when Blizzard is ready to start ladders up.
Diablo 2: Resurrected is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
